Zaporizhian (Cossacks) - Information & Discussion

[wangrin]

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Zaporizhian Host History :

Zaporizhian Host is a faction available at the start of the main campaign

This faction represent Ukrainian Cossacks who lived beyond the rapids of the Dnieper river, the land also known as the Wild Fields in Central Ukraine.

During the late 17th century and the 18th century, the Zaporizhian host gradually lost its power to finally fell in the Russian sphere of influence.
On May 7, 1775, Empress Catherine II and her council decided to disband the Sich.


Bibliography :

• "The Cossack administration of the Hetmanate" (in 2 volums), by George Gajecky, Cambridge: Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute, 1978
• "Les Cosaques, une Société Guerrière entre Libertés et Pouvoirs, Ukraine 1490-1790", by Iaroslav Lebedynsky, Editions Errance (2004)

[Herr Doctor]

Some general information on the early 18th century's Cossack army we tried to systematize with wangrin based on these books:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://eknigi.org/voennaja_istorija/...-chervnya.html
http://eknigi.org/voennaja_istorija/...-chervnya.html
http://bib.convdocs.org/v4547/?cc=1&view=djvu
http://ukrknyga.at.ua/load/zaruba_v_..._st/12-1-0-375
http://www.siver-litopis.cn.ua/arh/2...2011n03r03.pdf

There were two main parts of the Cossack army: the Hetman's forces and the Zaporizhian Sich' forces

The Hetman's forces:

- The so-called "court army" of the Hetman consisted of 1 cavalry and 2 foot regiments. This is kind of his personal guards consisted of the "noblemen (sic!) at the Hetman's side". They guarded him and were his personal escort both during peaceful years and military campaigns.

The reconstruction of Hetman Mazepa's clothes is on page 5. Another one (second half of the 17th century):
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...pid=120_18.jpg

The Hetman's court cavalry were dragoons (I believe this is Polish influence). They were recruited from Right-bank Ukraine as mercenaries as well as from landless population fled to the Cossack lands. The numbers are apr. 250-300 soldiers. Their view and ammunition were close to the late 17th century's Polish dragoons.
The approximate view of the Hetmans' dragoon at the second half of the 17th century:
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...pid=119_17.jpg

The foot "guards" were so-called "zholdaks" (special foot mercenaries). Just guard fusiliers armed with musket and sword. The "uniform" was white, the colonel had the kontusz made from varied cheap cloth. The total number was about only 80 men under command of otoman (as colonel). Cossack colonel of the middle 17th century:
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...pid=117_07.jpg

- Prior to Great Northern war the Hetman's stuff was guarded and escorted also by Russian units: the Streltsy of Gregory Annenkov, foot soldiers regiments of Ivan Nechaev and Ivan Skipitsin and "chosen" noblemen dragoons of the Seversky district. They were not present at Poltava of course. The Streletsky regiment of Gersim Vasilevich, 1676-1679:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AXNt1iTB4XM/Si...Zc/s720/12.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ohp6S35hy4U/Si...c4/s720/13.jpg

- Okhotnitskiye (mercenary) regiments. Consisted from mercenary serdyuk foot and so-called campaign's cavalry regiments. They were separate units from the late 17th century hired by the state and placed under command of the Hetman. The campaign's regiments were usually 500-600 men (but some were even 800-1000) each, the serdyuk's regiments - 800-1200 persons. Among serdyuk's regiments there were also small cavalry part sometimes. The serdyuks were armed with various types of guns (muskets, carabines etc), swords and even bows. During the assaults they also used pikes and axes. From late 17th century's their uniforms were a bit systematized: the serdyuks were receiving caftans, hats and boots from the state (the rest of ammunitions were purchased by themselves). The local crafts guilds were making these parts of the uniform centralised as part of their obligations before the state. The colours of the regiments were very different and unsystematic, but most popular one was cheap white clothes. Some related illustrations I found.
The two serdyuks (foot mercenary cossacks) of Yakov Pokotila's regiment, 1709. The "uniforms" was made by the cossacks themselves from the cloth granted by the state. The colours are only approximate (based on earlier and later data) as there is no clear information which ones were used during Mazepa's time. The ammunition and stuff are traditional:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ywdVewWmA2o/Sy...720/PoltAs.jpg
The Towarzysz of the campaign's cavalry regiment of Fyodor Stepanovich, 1696-1702, notice very extravagant Oriental kontusz (it differ from the Polish analogues greatly):
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...pid=115_15.jpg
The drummer of the campaign's cavalry regiment of Gregory Pashkovsky, 1688:
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...pid=111_11.jpg
The Towarzysz of the campaign's cavalry regiment of Illya Novitsky, 1674-1678:
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...pid=110_10.jpg
The soldier of the foot serdyuk regiment of Danila Zherebilovsky, 1676-1679:
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...pid=112_12.jpg
The sotnik/"hundred's" (Lieutenant) with the "hundred" flag (it's Russian actually) and soldier of the foot serdyuk regiment of Gavril Burlyay:
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...pid=114_14.jpg
The examples of the Cossack ammunition:
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...pid=106_03.jpg
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...pid=107_05.jpg

- The so-called Registered Cossacks. The kind of the levée en masse units of the Cossacks elites (starshina) and their followers (analogue of the Polish hussars and their "companions"). Every starshina came with his men whom he equipped and supported. They were organised in regiments by the territorial principles. The lesser unit was "kurin". The quality and view of them was not excellent as you can understand as in contrast to the Polish nobles they were quite poor in majority (except starshina part).
The example of the rich starshina from the 17th century:
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...id=103_011.jpg
The Registered Cossack cavalryman:
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...pid=104_02.jpg
Foot Registered Cossack, middle 17th century:
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...pid=116_06.jpg
The foot colonel (khorunzhy) of Chernigov regiment, middle 17th century:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4bL1UpU5o4Y/UB...20/Chh1650.jpg
Foot Registered Cossacks in "gala" and ordinary clothes:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B6nXCoiMPLY/Si...b4/s720/04.jpg


Zaporizhian Sich' forces:

In general they were organised and looked much similar to that of the Registered Cossacks. Zaporozhian regiments during the Great Nordic war could be sometimes mixed (infantry/cavalry). Among their ranks were also mercenary serdyuks.
1. Zaporozhian Cossack Infantryman, the most numerous part of Mazepa's army; 2. The Kurin Otoman of Yuri Kozhukhovsky's regiment, was recruited from the experienced warriors; 3. The General Secretary (military official), has clothes and ammunition typical for the Cossack elite (so-called "starshina"); all early 18th century:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b_UlU3CdycI/Sy...720/PoltCs.jpg
1. Horse Zaporozhian Cossack, 1705-1709, took participation in almost all main stages of Great Nordic war on both sides; 2. The colonel of the Campaign's regiment (mercenary), 1708-1709; 3. Horseman of the Wallachian (Moldavian) regiment, 1706-1709, were an essential part of the mercenary Cossack forces since the late 17th century:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GrV7P4SHQPY/Sy...720/PoltBs.jpg
Foot Zaporozhian, early 18th century:
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...pid=108_08.jpg
A group of Zaporozhians:
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...=10_kozaku.jpg

In general at Poltava Ivan Mazepa could have from 3000-4000 to 7000-8000 men.

Some more related illustrations. Later 18th century's Cossack:
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...kozak_viis.jpg
The Cossack artillery:
http://kampot.org.ua/engine/photo/ot...kozak_viis.jpg

[Herr Doctor]

Some interesting contemporary Cossack "baroque" art that I believe could be a nice source and inspiration to work on the Cossack hetmanate faction:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Cossack elite ("strashina") portraits:

The Cossack strashina in the church, first half of the 18th century

You can dowlonad a bigger resalution via this link (by pressing "download"); http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...Q-7caz_y3SZE7Q

Levonty Svichka, colonel of Luben, 1699

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...NDvKH9pWwN_-2g

Grigory Hamali, colonel of Luben, end of the 17th century

https://picasaweb.google.com/1182814...72082142738626

Mikhayla Miklashevsky, generalny khorunzhy and osavul, colonel of Staradub, 1706

https://picasaweb.google.com/1182814...74384245209314

Semen Sulyma, colonel of Pereyaslav, 1750s

https://picasaweb.google.com/1182814...71536681892002

Pavel Polubotka, colonel of Chernigov, late 18th century

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...KNV6Dz0upAEeYw

And interesting example of the Orthodox ecclesiastic portrait:
Petro Mogyla, Metropolitan of Kiev and Halych, second half of the 18th century (he lived a century earlier but this is a late portrait)

https://picasaweb.google.com/1182814...71781495027890

Some portraits of ordinary Cossacks:
The portraits depicting an allegorical legendary Cossack Mamay from local folklore, 1728

https://picasaweb.google.com/1182814...04421959831042

Cossack-bandurian, 18th century

https://picasaweb.google.com/1182814...81319330745746

[Swerg]

Giving the Cossacks a faction might be a challenge, given the way land is divided up in ETW. IIRC they would best be placed in the Kiev region, but problems arise there in that Kiev itself was a Russian possession, as was much of the land nominally belonging to the Hetmanate. I feel that taking away one of Russia's most productive provinces would be rather unfair, making a difficult early game even harder.

[wangrin]

Flaviuss had the same concerns.But, as long as we cannot rework the Campaign Map, we have two solutions : use Kiev region or delete Cossack faction.I really HATE CA for their dubious choices and historical inaccuracy .

[Herr Doctor]

That is why I suggest to represent rather the Hetmanate as Russian protectorate than the actual Host.

[Swerg]

That is why I suggest to represent rather the Hetmanate as Russian protectorate than the actual Host.

The problem there seems to me to be that 'protectorates' are far more trouble than they're worth. They seem to drive the already bonkers CAI totally nuts. Not only does everybody and their dog attack your 'protectorate,' the protectorates themselves seem rather prone to suddenly turning on the player.

While the latter is certainly realistic for the Mazepa-era Hetmanate, I don't think it would work too well in game.

As an alternative proposition, perhaps the Cossack Hetmanate could be an emergent faction? Make the Ukraine a highly rebellious region under initial Russian control, but nearly impossible to keep properly garrisoned without a lot of expense. The constant revolts would, I think, simulate the Hetmanate of the era fairly well.

[Herr Doctor]

I am not sure why are you so much sceptical about protectorates behaviour. Yes, Saxon case was bad as the result of the AI, but for example Courland works quite well in most of games. Your idea looks good as well but I am not sure that the high revolt risk in "Ukraine" province would make life for AI Russia any easier than simple protectorate?

At the present moment the game in Eastern Europe from the strategic perspective is extremely boring, predictable (in a negative sense) and linear. So I believe adding some historical "vassal" factions (the Hetmanate, or Moldavia that would be not added unfortunately), third players in this era's big game of politics could only add more strategic depth and interesting alternatives.

[ani2013]

We can give kiev to russia and make an rebel cossak army and if they are able to take kiev,then this faction come otherwise not i.e. emargent faction which has a rebel army

[Herr Doctor]

Several weeks ago purchased Sergiy Shamenkov's (Ukrainian military historian and reenactor) book about the infantry of the 17th - early 18th century's Cossack Hetmans (Kiev, 2010). As the book is not new there are some scans already circulating on the internet, but of very poor quality. The book is pretty good, but naturally mostly dedicated to the 17th century's militaria. Still there are some very interesting reconstructions based on the contemporary historical depictions dedicated to Hetman Mazepa's times as well; made the scans of them. Hope they could be useful.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Zaporozhian soldier of 1720s.


Zaporozhian soldier of early 1700s.


Zaporozhian soldier, 1700.


Foot Zaporozhian soldier.


Cossack field musicians.


Foot serdyuk of the late 17th century.


Representative of the Cossack starshina.


Soldier of the serdyuk foot regiment during Hetman Mazepa's times (1690s-1710s).


Serdyuk of Yakov Pokotila's regiment, 1709.


Also serdyuk of Yakov Pokotila's regiment, 1709.


Hetman Mazepa, Hetman's bunchuk- and standard-bearers, zholdak (Hetman's guard soldier).


Polish-type kuntusz of the late 17th century.


Cossack-type kuntusz of the late 17th - early 18th centuries.


Uniforms' colours used in Cossack regiments during 1660s-1710s.

[PikeStance]

I like the protectorate route best with the region being more prone to revolt against any faction that chooses to own it outright.

[Rohi]

It's worth noting that the 'Hetmanat Total War' mod seemed to be rather well received and offered a plausible scenario whereby the Zaporizhian faction exists as an early playable faction. Also, this project has apparently been gobbled up by the 'Imperial Destroyer Mod'. So, if one wanted to get an idea of what an independent Zaporizhian faction would do to an early game and how this may effect the Eastern factions' early decisions, perhaps try these mods?

My opinion? Well, if one was leaning towards historical 'accuracy', and given the resources available, the Zaporizhian faction should exist as a playable option in 1700.

[Eagle Beak]

The Hetmanant mod is a great place to find historical units for Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, as well as many other eastern factions. I'm not sure if you can get the permission to use the data from it, but the mod it dead, and it is difficult to find a download link these days. I found a link on a Russian website that worked for me, although I can't find a link for the english patch yet:

http://www.borncash.org/dw/?a=002800...//totalwars.ru

Here's a link for the mod thread, which includes and installation instructions:

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...on-Version-3-0

[vladzilla]

Ok so in general I'm really glad that this mod is taking the initiative to add the Zhaporizhian host as a playable faction and a son far as I can tell the historical facts and additions on the Sich are correct but seriously a change must be made to that song. Not only is it a RUSSIAN song but also it isn't really considered the 'anthem' of the Cossacks. Try this instead: https://youtu.be/EIXctSrNxWA. But great effort in general and I wish success in your ambitious project.
PS I really hope that Ukraine is an independent faction and not a measly protectorate or rebel group.
Thanks, a Ukrainian

[ROMAL]

You can do a lot of fantastic nonsense and embody the imagination of Ukrainian nationalists.
But there was no independent independent state under the name "Zaporizhian" Cossacks, as there was no state of the Ural or Don or Terek Cossacks.
Political fabrications and fantasies with anti-Russian orientation and the mythologization of history - that's all it penetrated into all the holes, even in the mods and games.
It's great that the developers did not go by flirting with the nationalists and did not make the fabulous kingdoms of Vampires or Hetman Cossacks with Goblins in the historical game.

[PikeStance]

You can do a lot of fantastic nonsense and embody the imagination of Ukrainian nationalists.
But there was no independent independent state under the name "Zaporizhian" Cossacks, as there was no state of the Ural or Don or Terek Cossacks.
Political fabrications and fantasies with anti-Russian orientation and the mythologization of history - that's all it penetrated into all the holes, even in the mods and games.
It's great that the developers did not go by flirting with the nationalists and did not make the fabulous kingdoms of Vampires or Hetman Cossacks with Goblins in the historical game.

The purpose of this forum to share ideas about the development of this faction. It is not meant to be a political platform. I suggest you go here if this is what you intend to do.

[ROMAL]

The purpose of this forum to share ideas about the development of this faction. It is not meant to be a political platform. I suggest you go here if this is what you intend to do.

Omnipresent-P, yes, thank you for the link. It's interesting. I will try to use this resource.
Here I just expressed my opinion about one fantastic faction and historical manipulations that affect our work. )
Sorry if my opinion seemed too haughty or mocking. I treat all people with respect for those who want to find out all the historical grounds, without political fanaticism or nationalism without emotions and predilection

[D.Sebastian]

Wangrin, you mentioned in your first post "colours are only approximate (based on earlier and later data)". What are those earlier and later data detailling coat colors?

[PikeStance]

Unfortunately, wangrin is no longer active on the forum or development team.

[Antiokhos Euergetes]

Are the Don Cossacks represented ?